Meet the 2019 Women of Distinction Honorees

There are two things most everyone knows about the Girl Scouts: our motto, “Be prepared,” and if you eat one Thin Mint, you’ll probably eat the entire sleeve.

These are essentially facts of life, but a lesser-known foundation of the Girl Scouts organization is the fundamental belief that girls who are exposed to powerful and ambitious women are more likely to become powerful and ambitious women themselves.

Each year at the Women of Distinction awards luncheon, Girl Scouts of Central Texas highlights and celebrates dynamic women in the Austin community. If you’re looking for a pattern of success to replicate in your own life, look no further than the 2019 Women of Distinction honorees.

EVERY SPACE BELONGS TO YOU.

Margaret Jabour, co-owner of Austin business Twin Liquors, has a knack for entrepreneurship. She proves alcohol isn’t just a boys’ club, bringing an elegance and ambiance to her stores, solidifying Twin Liquors as the premier wine-and-spirits retailer in Austin. Hold tight to your talents and know that you can have a seat at any table.

AGE IS JUST A NUMBER.

As the Women of Distinction Rising Star honoree, Virginia Cumberbatch is a young woman who has had a vibrant career. What’s the key to her success at such a young age? Role models. Regardless of your age or experience, strive to have a mentor and be a mentor. There is always something to learn and always something to teach.

USE YOUR POSITION TO EMPOWER.

As the director of human resources for Samsung Austin Semiconductor, Charmaine Smith-Winters has worked with Girl Scouts to provide innovative programming, cultivating increased girl interest in STEM fields. Seek opportunities to harness your spheres of influence. You don’t have to look far to find places to give back.

CELEBRATE SUCCESS, EVEN IF IT’S NOT YOURS.Achievement is often painted as a limited commodity, especially among women. Yvonne VanDyke, the longtime chief of nursing for Seton Medical Center, made it her goal to empower and uplift the people around her. If we’re running alongside go-getters, we’re spurred on to work harder ourselves. It’s a win-win situation.

NO MATTER HOW ALONE YOU FEEL, YOU’RE NOT.Melissa Fleming, CEO, business owner and mother, raised awareness when her son was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer. Amid unspeakable circumstances, Fleming’s community went to extraordinary lengths to fight alongside her, helping to raise more than $500,000 for pediatric-cancer research. Find your tribe and together, go change the world.

LIVE WITH A LITTLE PIZAZZ.

If you’re interested in something, explore it. Sandy Alcala, owner of Epic Event Design, has done everything from running the Junior League to owning an interior-design company. Alcala is proof you don’t have to choose one passion, but you do have to give 100 percent in all your endeavors.

To attend the GSCTX Women of Distinction event, visit gsctx.org/wod. To learn more about how you can support or be a role model to 17,500 girls in Central Texas, visit gsctx.org.